California Dog Owner Responsibilities When Their Dog Bites Someone
In California, dog owners have specific responsibilities when their dog bites someone. Here are the key points to consider:
- Strict Liability: Dog owners are held strictly liable for damages caused by a dog bite, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.*
- Public and Private Property: Liability applies to bites in public places or on private property where the victim is lawfully present.*
- Exceptions to Liability: Liability may be reduced or eliminated under certain circumstances, such as if the victim was trespassing, provoked the dog, or handling the dog unlawfully.*
- Medical Assistance and Reporting: Owners must provide medical care to the victim and report the incident to local animal control.*
- Quarantine: The dog may need to be quarantined for rabies testing, typically for at least 10 days.*
It is essential for dog owners to understand these responsibilities to ensure compliance with California, Solano County, and Fairfield laws and to protect themselves from potential legal consequences.
Our governing documents impose the following cautions for our members:
| “Allowed and Prohibited Animals” | * Residents may keep a reasonable number of common, customarily uncaged domestic household pets, such as dogs, cats, and birds, provided they do not impact local wildlife. * Farm animals and livestock, including horses, mules, pigs, hens, and roosters, are strictly prohibited anywhere in the Development. * Pets cannot be kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purposes. |
| “Leashing and Control” | * When outside a resident’s lot or in the Common Area, pets must be on a leash held by a responsible person capable of controlling the animal, or otherwise under the owner’s full control. * Any owner or resident has the right to cause an unleashed dog in the Common Area to be removed to a city or county animal shelter. |
| “Waste Cleanup and Restricted Areas” | * Owners, tenants, and guests must immediately clean up, remove, and dispose of any pet waste or mishaps in the Development, and must prevent their pets from soiling the Common Area. * Residents and guests are specifically prohibited from bringing pets onto the Association’s common landscaping areas. |
| “Outside Feeding Restrictions” | * To avoid attracting feral cats, vermin, and other stray animals, no animal food may be placed or kept outside. Pet feeding stations are not allowed in garages if the garage door is left open. * Approved bird feeders are the only exception to the outside feeding rule. * Residents are prohibited from feeding non-domesticated animals, including ducks, geese, deer, raccoons, and skunks. |
| “Nuisances and Board Removal Rights” | * Pets that emit excessive noise (such as barking dogs) or unreasonably disturb the quiet enjoyment of other residents are considered a nuisance. * If a pet is deemed a nuisance, the Board of Directors has the authority to issue an order prohibiting the animal from the Development after providing the owner with notice and an opportunity for a hearing. |
| “Liability and Indemnification” | * Owners and residents are absolutely liable for any personal injury or property damage caused by their pets, or by the pets of their household members, tenants, or guests. * Owners must fully indemnify and defend the Association against any claims, costs, or damages arising from the presence or conduct of their pets within the Development. |
| reference: | Eastridge Hills CC&Rs 5.19 PETS |
* Fairfield Municipal Code (Chapter 3 – covers leash requirements, unattended pets and nuisances)
*Humane Animal Services (Animal Control for The City of Fairfield. We do not use the County)
*Rockville Hills Regional Park (Rules regarding entry into the park for people and their pets)
